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The message reads, in part:

”I am sincerely happy that the children’s city competitions started at Anatoly Rakhlin’s initiative have long crossed the borders of St Petersburg and have become a significant event in the sports and cultural life of this and other countries. By bringing together hundreds of young judokas at its venues in the Northern Capital, it fulfils an important and responsible mission – it promotes the values of judo and physical fitness. And of course, for many young men and women the tournament became the first step towards victories in big sport.

I will particularly note the contribution of the competition organisers in preserving the memory of the outstanding coach, teacher and tutor. With their active support, a memorial plaque was unveiled at the end of May on the building on Kondratievsky Prospekt, where Anatoly Rakhlin worked for many years.

I am confident that the current competitions will be held at a high organisational level, will be remembered for the intensity of fair and beautiful bouts, and will leave a great impression on the participants and guests.”